Buffalo Trace Distillery has made significant progress in recovery efforts after flood waters reached their peak at the historic Frankfort facility. Officials report that the removal of flood debris and damage is more than 75% complete.
Power has been restored to key areas of the distillery, allowing craft bottling operations to resume in both Blanton’s Bottling Hall and the main bottling hall.
“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our contractors and dedicated teams, we’ve made tremendous progress in the Distillery’s flood recovery plan,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac & Buffalo Trace Distillery CEO and President. “While there’s still work to be done, the resilience and determination demonstrated this past week is truly inspiring.”
Wenz added that he remains optimistic about returning to normal operations soon, praising the efforts of contractors, leadership teams, and employees.
Limited Visitor Experience Resumes
The distillery reopened to visitors on Monday, April 14, with a modified retail experience. This temporary arrangement includes a pop-up shopping experience inside the Freehouse building, with select bottles available for purchase and complimentary tastings offered in an outdoor canopy area.
Unlike normal operations, the current visitor experience is available only to those with previously held tour reservations, who will receive email instructions on how to book. Additional online reservations may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis if capacity allows.
No distillery tours or walk-up visits are available at this time.
Community Support Initiatives Planned
Buffalo Trace officials indicated that details on forthcoming relief initiatives to support the community will be shared in the coming weeks.
Those wishing to provide immediate flood relief support can contribute to the Franklin County Flood Relief Fund established by the city. The fund collects donations to offer aid to those most affected by the flooding.
The distillery continues to provide updates via its Instagram account @buffalotracedistillery and website buffalotracedistillery.com, where visitors can also check for additional reservation availability.
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Last week, the company resumed shipping finished goods and has now begun the process of returning bottling operations to normal capacity, following what distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley previously described as “one of the most severe” floods they had experienced.
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